Spring Leagues – Girls’ Softball

Everyone in the league wants to make our young people’s time as enjoyable as possible. Although skills and competition increase as players advance through the program, the focus at all levels in on learning, playing and fun. For example, continuous batting orders are used – so that players bat whether or not they are in the defensive alignment at the time. And all players play a minimum number of innings in the field. But even though we base our rules on the National Federation of High School standards, there are modifications in the program as the girls get older. We hope that this page serves as a “thumbnail” summary of the differences in the leagues.

Below the league summaries, you will also find links to rules, tie-breakers and the weather policy.

A girl’s first experience with softball comes in the Tee-Ball League. Emphasis is on fun and the teaching of fundamentals – hitting and catching the ball, throwing and running the bases. “Reduced Injury Factor” (RIF) 9″ balls are used. At this level:

No scores or standings are kept.

Batters hit from a tee set at home plate.

Ten players bat each inning regardless of outs.

Ten defensive players are used with coaches in the field for instruction.

Players pitching to players with limited coach assistance, no coaches in the field, no more neighborhood teams, 11″ regular softballs, trained umpires – many changes, but still emphasis is on fun, skill and development.

The Red Hat League provides more of the true flavor of fast-pitch softball. 12″ softballs – competition increases but the focus on instruction, fun and sportsmanship remains with more training in teamwork.

The Black Hat League is for high school aged women. In 2013, the Black Hat team played in the North Columbus Sports league against teams from around Columbus on fields outside of Westerville and intends to do the same this year based upon interest and space . It is a great way for women to play at a recreationally competitive level through their high school years.

One or more teams will be formed based upon registration interest and space in the NCS league